I gave my word

 I was very young
and common sense told me
not to give my word
I could easily say
I’ll give it some thought
what’s the big hurry
it’s not a train schedule
I’ll give my word
after graduation
after military service
after I make a home

but time exploded
there was no before
there was no after
in the blinding present
you had to choose
so I gave my word
a word—

a noose round my neck
an ultimate word
in the rare moments
when everything is light
and becomes transparent

I think to myself:
“my word
how I’d like
to take my word back”
it doesn’t last for long
the world’s axis screeches
people pass away
as do landscapes
colored rings of time
but the word I gave
is stuck in my throat


Zbigniew Herbert
Translation: Alissa Valles